While a spring, summer, or fall journey to scenic Jackson Hole, Wyoming, will undoubtedly prove to be a treat for travelers, it’s definitely hard to top a winter getaway in this direction. If you’re an adventurer with a passion for winter recreation and a heart for downhill thrills, you’ll find Jackson Hole to be a true mecca of opportunity each season when the fresh powder falls.
For many thrill seekers who can’t wait to hit the trails and runs as soon as the temperatures drop, Jackson Hole is a legendary ski destination on the map not to be missed. Here, there’s no shortage of steep terrain to be found, and the deep powder at the ski resorts, paired with the gorgeous alpine scenery, makes winter a season to remember.
While Jackson Hole is certainly a place that’s adored by seasoned skiers looking for their next challenge, it’s just as welcoming for those with less experience, or even just starting out in the sport. No matter what your skillset might be when you arrive, there’s fun waiting to be found, and this ski guide to beginner, intermediate, and advanced ski slopes in Jackson Hole is your one-stop resource to getting started.
A Helpful Overview of What to Expect When You Arrive at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort This Winter
For many ski enthusiasts, the opportunity to take to the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is what brings them this way in the wintertime. And who could blame them when this incredible destination boasts over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain just waiting to be explored across two mountains, including Après Vous and Rendezvous. In total, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a place where skiers can pick and choose between 133 trails suitable for all skill levels.
Experienced skiers here will be thrilled by the fact that the resort hosts a vertical drop of 4,139 feet, making it among the steepest in the entire country. There is also 3,000 acres of additional terrain that shouldn’t be overlooked here that will appeal to those looking for extra space for backcountry adventures during their visit. You’ll find a base elevation of 6,311 feet waiting for you at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and a summit elevation that rises to 10,450 feet.
In general, the runs at Rendezvous Mountain are considered ideal for the resort’s most advanced skiers, while Après Vous Mountain is the place to be when you’re on the hunt for more intermediate and beginner-friendly slopes. About 10% of the trails here are fit for beginners, while 40% are great for intermediate skiers, and 50% are dedicated to the advanced skiers heading this way.
Getting Around Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
No matter what level of difficulty you’re hoping to take on when you ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, you’re likely to be thrilled to find that getting around is a streamlined process. Here, guests enjoy access to a very efficient and modern lift system that includes an aerial tram fit for 100 passengers at a time, two gondolas crafted with eight-passenger cabins, five high-speed quads, four fixed-grip quads, a double chairlift, two covered surface carpet lifts, and a handle tow, as well.
A Resort Where the Details Matter Most
Your ski-focused fun at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers up an opportunity to explore two fantastic terrain parks during your stay. There are also four Burton Stash Parks on-site, where natural elements like rocks and logs have been organized to create a zone where freestyle fun revolves around eco-friendly design. The resort’s dedication to environmental stewardship extends to its commitment to implement 100% wind-powered operations across lifts, buildings, and snowmaking efforts. Landscapes here are maintained to fit into habitat and wildlife conservation plans as well. While Jackson Hole typically sees over 450 inches of snowfall annually, snowmaking coverage at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort extends to over 210 acres of terrain, making skiing here enjoyable and accessible all season long.
Consider Setting Your Ski Sights on Grand Targhee Resort During Your Winter Stay
Not far from Jackson Hole, ski enthusiasts heading this way in the wintertime also have options to add downhill fun at Grand Targhee Resort to their itinerary. Considered one of the best ski destinations in the Western U.S. by many, this resort has just as much to offer skiers of all skill levels when you’re looking to expand on your winter recreation and fun.
You’ll find Grand Targhee Resort on the western slope of the Teton Range in Alta, Wyoming. From the moment you arrive, there’s a good chance this resort’s laid-back vibe and gorgeous views will make your time here extra appealing! Many families whose group is made up of travelers with varying skillsets on the slopes head this way to enjoy more space, a slower pace, and options to work on their ski approach their own way.
When you choose to enjoy time on the slopes at Grand Targhee Resort, you’ll have access to over 2,600 skiable acres of terrain and a vertical drop of an impressive 2,270 feet. This resort sits at a base elevation of around 7,408 feet and enjoys a summit elevation of 9,862 feet. On an average year, Grand Targhee Resort sees around 500 inches of snowfall, making it one of the snowiest resorts in the country!
Here, trails and runs are spread across two mountains, including Peaked Mountain and Fred’s Mountain. Where Fred’s Mountain hosts the majority of groomed beginner trails, Peak Mountain appeals to more advanced and even backcountry skiers heading this way. Grand Targhee Resort is a great place for skiers to hone their craft on the slopes, as around 70% of the trails here are suitable for intermediate skiers. While 10% of the trails are set aside for beginners, 20% of the trails are great for advanced-level athletes.
Getting around here is just about as easy as over at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. You’ll find five chairlifts on-site, including two high-speed quads, two fixed-grip, and a surface lift for first-time skiers and little ones fondly referred to as the Papoose Conveyor.
Slopes by Skill Level at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
When you’re planning to ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort this winter, it’s always worth your while to have a heads up on the trails and runs to keep your eye on that match your skill level when you arrive. This makes it easier to plan out your day and maximize your time on the slopes!
If you’re a beginner heading to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to ski this season, we would highly recommend starting out on trails like Eagle’s Rest and Teewinot Lift. These are both gentle green-level runs accessible near the base of the resort that are great places for newcomers to gain their confidence on the snow. Teewinot, in particular, is popular among beginners here for its wide groomers and seamless access to on-site ski schools when you need to include a lesson or two into your visit to establish the basics.
Similarly, hopping on the Sweetwater Gondola offers beginners direct access to Solitude Station, where you can participate in a group lesson at the mid-mountain learning center. The quiet atmosphere and beginner terrain is the ideal combination for improving your skills one hour at a time. The Sweetwater Gondola also takes beginners to lower trails like Lower Teewinot and Lower Werner, where consistent grooming gives you plenty of room to put your newfound skills to work!
Intermediate Runs to Check Out When You’re Here
Whether you’re an intermediate-level skier looking for great terrain parks or long blue groomers to try, you’ll find it all and more at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The Teton Lift and Après Vous area was once exclusively off-piste and mogul-heavy, but these days, it’s a haven of opportunity when it comes to blue runs with great views. The trails here are well groomed, but the descents are longer, giving skiers reasons to put in a little more work.
The Casper Lift Area is another must-visit for intermediate-level skiers thanks to the recently upgraded high-speed quad. This is the place to enjoy playful terrain and blue groomers that roll in abundance at higher elevations. At Stash Parks, intermediate skiers can begin to try their luck at jumps and rolls after taking time to slide down fantastic trails like Amphitheater.
Advanced-Level Slopes
For the advanced-level skier heading this way and looking for a new challenge, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort never fails to impress. The resort’s reputation for thrilling runs that require meticulous navigation to conquer is well-earned, and it doesn’t take long to see why. Here, you can access couloirs, cliffs, and backcountry retreats that are truly breathtaking. Corbet’s Couloir is among the most popular for advanced-level skiers who are excited to take on dramatic drops, narrow chutes, and a run that simply isn’t made for the faint of heart.
Over at Rendezvous Bowl, advanced ski enthusiasts will want to hop on the Aerial Tram to access the steep pitches and deep powder that inevitably await. Hobacks, on the lower mountain, is the place to go for enjoying time on long, ungroomed runs, while Alta Cutes and Tower Three Chute are a must when you crave tree-lined pathways that demand a high level of technicality on the fresh powder.
Tips for Beginner-Level Skiers Heading to Jackson Hole This Winter
If you’re a beginner-level skier excited to spend time on the slopes in Jackson Hole this winter, we would highly recommend making sure to book your place in on-site ski lessons well in advance of your arrival. It’s not uncommon for these lessons to fill up fast, so the earlier you can secure your place, the more successful your ski trip is bound to be.
Once you’ve had your lesson, it’s always advisable to stick closely to designated beginner-level slopes until you’re confident enough to move onto intermediate runs. It can be tempting to move more quickly, but this can result in an injury that will only bring your ski vacation to a halt sooner than anyone would like.
Instead of investing in ski gear when it’s your first time here, it’s often far more convenient and strategic to rent what you need on-site. This gives you a chance to work with a pro to find what fits, and make decisions for future gear investments based on comfort as you learn.
Above all, don’t hesitate to take breaks as needed. Skiing may look easy, but it requires a lot of energy, strength, and patience. Treating yourself to some downtime in between runs will ensure you have the stamina to make the most of your experience.
Making the Most of Your Intermediate and Advanced Level Runs at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Intermediate-level skiers heading this way won’t want to shy away from opportunities to further hone the skillset they’ve already earned. A great way to do exactly that is to focus on utilizing the features found at the terrain parks, and challenging yourself on corduroy runs as well.
If you happen to be an expert-level skier looking to venture into backcountry terrain, always take time to check avalanche conditions before you head out and always ski with a buddy. Warming up on Après Vous is a good idea before elevating the risk factor further, and even the most thrilling runs demand respect for the signage and closure notices in place to remain safe and sound for the entirety of your experience.
Book Your Jackson Hole Getaway Today
We hope you found our guide to skiing in Jackson Hole When winter is around the corner, it’s the perfect time to grab your ski gear and head to Jackson Hole in the name of downhill fun. When you do, the team at Abode Jackson Hole will be happy to help you find the ideal luxury rental to settle into while you’re in town. Whether you go for a cozy retreat with mountain views or a sprawling multi-level escape with a hot tub and heated pool, we’ll have you feeling right at home in no time.
Reach out today to learn more about our ski season rental options and how we can help you tailor the details of your getaway to match your unique travel style this year.
